1925-1928 Goose Goslin Pro-Model Bat

Goose Goslin H&B signature model (predating model numbers) bat dating from the 1921-1931 manufacturing period. The bat, which is composed of black hickory (a favorite of most sluggers during the 1920s), displays heavy use, including deep ball marks, surface marks, and a seven-inch crack in the handle. Ideally, most of the use is concentrated directly below the barrel stamping (the appropriate area for a left-handed hitter). Goslin signed his endorsement contract with H&B in 1924, thereby allowing the company to manufacture bats with his facsimile signature stamped on the barrel. That fact, along with a few slight variations in the center brand, allow the bat to be more narrowly dated to the 1925-1928 manufacturing period. This is an exceptional Goslin bat in all respects, and in fact is consistent with a documented order received by H&B from him in 1928, the year he won the American League batting title. The offered bat measures 35 inches in length and weighs 33.9 ounces. Factory records indicate that on 4/26/28 Goslin placed an order for 35-inch bats weighing 34 through 36 ounces. Although hickory bats are not specifically mentioned in his records between the years 1925 and 1928, later orders confirm his use of hickory bats. Goslin captured his one and only batting title in 1928, finishing the year with a career-high .379 average. Winning a batting title is never easy, but few players had to endure the drama Goslin went through on the final day of the season. Heading into the final game, Goslin was tied for the League lead with the Tigers' Heinie Manush. As fate would have it, Goslin's Senators were playing the Tigers that day. Obviously, Goslin had to play, otherwise Manush, with a good day, could overtake him. Goslin slightly outperformed Manush over the course of the game and held a one-point lead heading into his final at bat. Naturally, he wanted to come out of the game at that point to preserve his lead but his teammates goaded him into taking his regular turn at bat. At that point Goslin got into an argument with the umpire and tried to have himself ejected, to no avail. Eventually, it was all for naught as he eked out an infield hit to win the title. Goslin was one of the most prolific hitters of his era and even though he wasn't considered a slugger, he drove in over 100 runs on twelve separate occasions. He retired in 1938 with 248 home runs, 1,609 RBI (27th on the all-time list), and a .316 lifetime average. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1968. Graded A7.5 by MEARS (5 point base grade plus 3 points for use, but minus a half point for the handle crack). This one of only three Goose Goslin pro-model bats listed in the MEARS census, with no others graded at this level and only one graded higher. This bat has been consigned to this auction directly from the personal collection/inventory of world-renowned bat authenticator David Bushing. LOA from Dave Bushing & Troy Kinunen/MEARS. Reserve $1,000. Estimate $2,000/$3,000.SOLD FOR $4,406.25

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